Etihad supports more than two lakh jobs in America: James Hogan

Dubai: Orders amounting to nearly USD 37 billion by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways for new Boeing aircraft is supporting more than 200,000 American jobs for almost a decade, according to airline's CEO James Hogan.

"At 2014 list prices, the total value of Boeing jets we have received or have on order is USD 36.5 billion. Based on the US Government formula, this represents almost 2,10,000 US aerospace jobs," he said.

According to the US Department of Commerce estimates every USD 1 billion invested in the US aerospace industry supports 5,747 American jobs.

Etihad Airways has selected US made GE engines for all its Boeing aircraft, while other US suppliers manufacture aircraft seats, onboard equipment and provide inflight entertainment systems.

"Linking San Francisco via Abu Dhabi with the strategically important and rapidly growing markets in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent will help to deepen the strong commercial, trade and cultural relationship between the US and the UAE," he said at the UAE-US Business Council meet.

This service not only supports passenger flights but also cargo for US importers and exporters which further strengthen trade links between the UAE and the US.

Key connecting markets in the Indian Subcontinent include Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. In partnership with Jet Airways, the airways have access to a large Indian market with more than 200 weekly flights to 14 destinations in India.